A place of learning should be a place of belonging: Where Jewish students can walk freely, visibly and proudly, without having to second-guess who they are. Where wearing a magen david, speaking Hebrew, attending Friday night dinner or expressing a connection to Israel is met not with fear, but with the same respect afforded to every other identity.
For many young Jews, university is their first opportunity to say, ‘This is our Jewish life, our community, our campus too.’ Yet this transition continues to take place in an environment of
unconscionable hostility. In the past year alone, University Jewish Chaplaincy has seen a 10% increase in demand for its services, as students encounter not only open anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiment, but also the quieter pressures that can make proud Jewish life feel unsafe or unwelcome.
University Jewish Chaplaincy (UJC) proudly offers support to over 9,000 Jewish students in over 100 universities from Aberdeen to Exeter, especially during this ongoing period of tension experienced by many Jewish students.
UJC stands side by side with Jewish students always. Not only in moments of crisis, but in everyday life. Whether a student wants to explore their Judaism deeply or lightly, socially or spiritually, our Chaplains on campuses across the UK create spaces that feel safe, warm and rooted. A space to breathe, to question, to celebrate, to be.
Throughout these deeply challenging times, University Jewish Chaplaincy has stood firmly alongside Jewish students, providing strength, safety and unwavering support including:
- Over 34,00 student interactions
- Providing direct support to over 740 students experiencing antisemitism
- Dedicating more than 4,150 hours to student welfare and mental wellbeing
- Recording 18,500+ student attendances at events fostering community and solidarity
- Opening homes to students through warm, inclusive hospitality, serving 10,400 meals
- Holding 130+ meetings with university leadership to advocate for student safety and rights
These numbers tell a powerful story. Jewish students are actively choosing to explore their Judaism, build community, and seek out each other. Our magnificent Chaplains are creating spaces for students to breathe, to question, to celebrate, and simply to be. Together, we can send a clear and powerful message to every Jewish student that they are not alone and that this is:
Our campus too.
For more information about the campaign and how to donate, please www.charityextra.com/chaplaincy.